Sunday, May 12, 2019 @ 3 & 5 pm (3pm performance is SOLD OUT)
Schuyler Mansion, Albany
The Match
Celebrate Mother’s Day with an afternoon of 18th century French music and the recreation of the famous 1787 fencing match between the Chevalier de Saint-Georges and the Chevaliere d’Eon fought before the Prince of Wales. Saint-Georges was not only one of the greatest swordsmen of his day, but also a gifted violinist and composer. We examine both his skills as we perform his flute & harp sonata paired with songs for mezzo-soprano and harp by Hinner and Sterkel and delightful works for instruments of Jean-Baptiste Cardin and Philippe Meyer. Musicians of Ma’alwyck core artists Ann-Marie Barker Schwartz and Norman Thibodeau are joined by mezzo-soprano Tess McCarthy (you may remember her from the lead role in last season’s opera Aleda) and harpist Elizabeth Morse. Seating is limited. Tickets $30/$15.
Free Preview - Friday, May 10 @ Noon, SUNY Schenectady (SCCC)
Between performances out on the lawn of the Schuyler Mansion a fencing match will be recreated by a professional fight choreographer (see description below). A reception will be offered as well.
Fencing Description: On April 9th, 1787, two of the premier fencers of Europe met to showcase their skills before the Prince of Wales and the elite of London society. On one hand- the Chevalier de Saint-Georges, born in the French colony of Guadeloupe, the son of a white planter and an enslaved African woman, famed not only for his skill with the sword, but as a vocal abolitionist and as a composer and musician who regularly played alongside Queen Marie Antoinette. On the other, the Chevaliere d'Eon, whose life of high court intrigue, espionage, and military service was matched only in its fascination by the fact that d'Eon had been born a son of the French aristocracy, but in 1777 had publicly announced herself to the French court and the world as a woman, and had lived as such since that time.
Attendees at the Musicians of Ma'alwyck Spring concert at Schuyler Mansion, May 12th, will have the opportunity to hear more about these fascinating individuals, and their connections to the Schuyler family, as well as witness a recreation of their fencing exhibition, choreographed by Professor Karla Kash of the SUNY Albany Theater department, and Ian Mumpton of Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site, and enacted by student performers cast from the SUNY Albany Theater department.
adults $30, students $15